A twinning deal; Teen sisters get on the property ladder thanks to Barratt scheme.

Twin teen sisters Louise and Natalie Dick decided it was time to get on the property ladder - so they took advantage of a scheme by Barratt to snap up a home at a bargain price.

The 18-year-old identical twins were struggling to find a house they could afford.

Louise said: "We both have good jobs and prospects but, at our age, we were having trouble finding somewhere we could buy.

"Our house is in a really good area and Barratt helped out by matching our five per cent deposit.

"They helped pay the legal and survey fees as well, which was a huge help to us.

"We might never have been able to afford to buy otherwise.

"It's a great way to get on the property ladder - plus you're dealing with Barratt, which is extremely reassuring.

"They are a huge and respected company, so you know that everything will be done properly."

The twins, who both work for Kwik-Fit Insurance, bought their two-bedroom detached property through Barratt's Oakleaf scheme.

The company sell properties that were part-exchanged for brand-new Barratt homes through their Oakleaf division - with great deals on offer.

The house, in an estate on Gateside Crescent, Airdrie, was on offer for pounds 75,000 - but the twins got it for pounds 70,000, while also benefiting from the incentives.

Louise said: "It's not brand new but, at the price we paid, we're delighted.

"People are prepared to do deals at the moment because of the credit crunch, so it was probably a really good time for us to try and buy a home.

"I was sure our age would count against us for getting a mortgage but the five per cent Barratt paid helped a lot with the bank."

She added: "The estate has a community feel to it because everybody isn't just moving in.

"And it's close to our parents' home, too, so we've got our independence but we're still close to home."

Natalie added: "I love it too - but we both like the same things, so there was never going to be any arguments about it. The kitchen and living area downstairs are open plan and both the bedrooms have huge wardrobes, which we love.

"The rooms are really spacious. You can get a lot more space in an older house than you might have got in a totally new one."

Barratt advertise their Oakleaf properties through the firm's website.

This year alone, the Oakleaf sales team have sold 160 previously-owned homes across West Central Scotland.

Stuart MacColl, Barratt's sales and marketing director, said: "These properties represent outstanding value for money and come at a fixed price.

"All of them have been independently vetted and valued and are sold on a first come, first served basis.

"It's an excellent way to buy a new home and save on the current market value."

For more information on Barratt Oakleaf properties, call the sales team on 0141 779 8380 or check out www.barratthomes.co.uk.

Sisters Louise and Natalie have bought their first home together

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Sisters Louise and Natalie have bought their first home together